Widening Blockchain Technology toward Access Control for Service Provisioning in Cellular Networks

Area of Science:

• Computer Science
• Network Security
• Distributed Systems

Background:

• Blockchain technology (BCT) offers novel solutions for decentralized security and trust.
• Current centralized access control systems in cellular networks suffer from single points of failure and operational complexity.
• The distribution and replication of data across organizations present challenges for traditional security models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce blockchain technology (BCT) and review its technological aspects.
• To present a decentralized access control-as-a-service solution for private cellular networks.
• To demonstrate new business models for service and content providers using BCT.

Main Methods:

• Review of blockchain technology fundamentals and architectural components.
• Design and implementation of a decentralized access control system using BCT and smart contracts.
• Application in a real-world private cellular network scenario for access control and pricing.

Main Results:

• The proposed BCT-based solution eliminates single points of failure inherent in centralized systems.
• Increased scalability and decreased operational complexity for access control and pricing procedures.
• Enabled new business models for service and content providers through a decentralized framework.

Conclusions:

• Blockchain technology provides a robust foundation for secure and scalable decentralized access control in cellular networks.
• The implemented solution enhances reliability and efficiency compared to traditional centralized approaches.
• Smart contracts on BCT facilitate automated and transparent access control and pricing mechanisms.